Piero Hincapie
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are set to strengthen their defensive ranks with the imminent arrival of Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, who is expected to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium within the next 24 hours.
The 23-year-old Ecuador international was spotted bidding an emotional farewell to Leverkusen fans after their clash with Werder Bremen on Saturday, fuelling speculation that a deal with the Premier League title contenders is close to completion.
According to reports in Germany and England, Arsenal have agreed a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for around €46 million (£39 million) at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. The agreement also includes a €6 million (£5 million) loan fee, with performance-related add-ons potentially raising the total package to €60 million (£51 million), a figure close to the defender’s release clause.Hincapie has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal and is due to undergo a medical in London this weekend.
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The versatile defender, who can operate as a centre-back, left-back, or wing-back, has been eager to make the switch to North London despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and several European clubs. His farewell at the BayArena, where he waved tearfully to the fans after being named an unused substitute, further underlined his desire for a new chapter.
Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen fans ahead of transfer to Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)
Since joining Leverkusen from Argentine side CA Talleres in 2021, Hincapié has become a key figure, amassing 166 appearances and helping the club to a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023/24. Renowned for his composure on the ball, aggressive defending, and versatility, he is seen as a strong fit for Mikel Arteta’s system.
His arrival will add depth and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back, while also providing cover at left-back alongside Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
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The move has been made possible by Arsenal’s ongoing squad restructuring to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations. Jakub Kiwior’s expected switch to Porto on loan with an obligation to buy worth up to €27 million (£23 million) has cleared space in the squad, while potential exits for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson are also being considered.
Hincapie’s signing would mark Arsenal’s eighth addition of a busy summer window that has already seen the arrivals of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Martin Zubimendi in a spending spree exceeding £300 million. The deal also highlights the influence of sporting director Andrea Berta, who has been credited with orchestrating Arsenal’s ambitious transfer business.
The Ecuadorian’s pace, power, and tactical flexibility are expected to give Arteta greater options on the left side of defence as Arsenal mount another push for the Premier League title.
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